CHABBA, PUNJAB (SNN) -ÿ In the presence of a massive Sikh conclave, members of United Akali Dal, Akali Dal Amritsar, and their supporters announced that they were replacing the current Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and Sri Keshgarh Sahib with their own representatives – Dhian Singh Mand, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala, and Baljit Singh Daduwal, respectively. Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, a close associate of Simranjit Singh Mann, would serve on behalf of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, the Babbar Khalsa activist who is serving life in prison at Tihar Jail.

The number of individuals present vary from one hundred thousand to severalÿhundred thousand depending on the source. Despite the varying estimates, the entire arena had overflowed beyond the capacity of the erected structures.

The conclave, which was dubbed as being a ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ by the organizers was tightly controlled by associates of Simranjit Singh Mann, and ex-Damdami Taksal spokesman, Mohkan Singh, and had already prepared the resolutions in advance and pre-selected the names of the new “Jathedars that were to be announced.

SECRETIVE PROCEEDINGS

Over the past few days many representatives of other organizations had complained about the lack of transparency and structure in formulating the resolutions and selection of ‘Jathedars.’ The actual resolutions and names of individuals to be announced were kept confidential by the organizers and not shared publicly until the last minute.ÿ This type of clandestine behavior by the organizers had infuriated many of the attendees who saw this as an once in a lifetime opportunity for the Sikh community to retake control of its destiny , but their objections were either ignored or dismissed.

SUSPICIOUS PAST OF CONTROLLERS

Mohkam Singh, along with former Khalistan Commando Force chief, and Panthic Committee member Wassam Singh Zafarwal, and Gurnam Singh Bandala, are all considered individuals with a questionable past,ÿ and are referred by many as police intelligence “cats” for their suspicious roles during the Sikh insurgency during the 1980’s and 1990’s when thousands of Sikh youths were murdered and eliminated, while these leaders ‘miraculously’ not only survived but become quite successful politicians in various Sikh circles despite their “criminal” past. ÿ

Interestingly, one of the Gurmattas declared during the last 1987 Sarbat Khalsa, stated that all ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ functions could only be held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and not elsewhere, yet this Gurmatta was now openly flouted by Mohkam Singh and his associates who were also present in the 1987 Sarbat Khalsa.

Along with the announcement of the replacement “Jathedars”, the following resolutions were read to the massive audience in attendance:

Former Punjab DGP, KP Gill and Indian Army GeneralKuldip S Brar have been deemed “tankhaeey” (apostates) for their role in Sikh Genocide, and have been asked to present themselves at Sri Akal Takht Sahib by the end of this month.

The titles “Faqr-E-Qaum”ÿ and “Panth Ratan” are being revoked from Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal, and SGPC President Avtar Makkar.

An International Sikh Parliament will be created.

Denouncement of the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and and punishment should be carried out to those who commit any beadbi.

Call given to free all political prisoners from Punjab and other freedom struggles within India.

Call for creation of an Independent Sikh calendar.

Make Sri Amritsar Sahib Sovereign like the Vatican City.

End caste divisions within the Sikhs.

NO DIRECT ACTION AGAINST BADAL FAMILY MEMBERS OR SIRSA CULT

Ironically no tankhah or punishment was announced to Parkash or Sukhbir Badal, or the Sirsa cultists who are behind some of the most disturbing incidents of sacrilege in Punjab and Haryana.

ABSENCE FROM CONCLAVE

Several Sikh Personalities, including Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji, Missionary preacher Panthpreet Singh, and Ranjit Singh Dhadhrian, who had been very active in the past few weeks were conspicuously absent from the conclave, while other representatives such as Panch Pardhani, and Dal Khalsa members, Kanwarpal Singh and Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu stayed in the shadows as mere observers and did not share the dais with organizers.

Sikh parcharak, Bhai Baldeep Singh, who had offered to collaborate with the organizers, shared the following concerns about the process:

“Is lack of values such as ethics, procedure, protocol, inclusive (sic), integrity, vision, honesty, transparency, accountability, sarb-sammati, along with pushing one’s own agenda(s), etc., the name of Sarbat Khalsa? I think not!”

“In the garb of claims to restore honour and dignity of Gur-Sikh Panth’s ailing institutions such as Akal Takhat, SGPC and DSGMC, we cannot dishonour the institution of Sarbat Khalsa outright!”

POINTS OF CONTENTION AND CONTROVERSY

Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar was ‘sacked’, but no replacement was announced – what was the reason for this?

If hundreds of Sikh organizations and representatives participated in the conclave, how many of them were allowed to deliberate and discuss the resolutions that were announced?

How many Sikh organizations were allowed input over the ‘selection’ of the new Jathedars?

Why was this process limited to only a handful of individuals and not shared or discussed with the Panth?

Why weren’t the norms and traditions of Sarbat Khalsa followed during this conclave?

The stage was controlled by individuals who were unprofessional and dis-courteous individuals, what process was involved in choosing them?

Why didn’t the organizers allow any input or dissent from the public or attendees?

"Freedom of Expression is a Human Right"
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."